Overview
Poon Hill is where most people fall in love with Nepal. A four-day loop from Pokhara through the Annapurna foothills, it combines a genuine mountain experience with comfortable teahouses, accessible terrain, and a sunrise payoff that is, without question, one of the great views on earth. Standing at 3,210m as the sun clears the horizon and the Dhaulagiri–Annapurna panorama ignites in alpenglow — it's as good as it sounds.
The route climbs through Gurung and Magar villages, past water mills and rhododendron forests, up a stone-stepped ridge to Ghorepani. The 4am wake-up call on day three is non-negotiable. From the hilltop viewpoint, you can identify Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, and Lamjung Himal — all within a single panoramic sweep.
This is the ideal first Himalayan trek for first-timers, families with older children, and trekkers with limited time. No altitude issues, no technical sections, and you're back in Pokhara in time for dinner on day four.
Highlights
- Poon Hill Sunrise — The reason people come — a 270° Himalayan panorama from 3,210m including eight of Nepal's highest peaks, best seen at dawn
- Ghorepani Village (2,860m) — The classic teahouse hub, surrounded by dense rhododendron forest that explodes in colour March–April
- Gurung Culture — The Ghandruk area is the heartland of Nepal's Gurung community — traditional stone houses, local weaving, and extraordinarily good food
- Rhododendron Trail — In spring the entire trail between 2,000 and 3,000m is covered in Nepal's national flower — reds, pinks, and whites for kilometres
- Tadapani Forest — A magical section through ancient moss-covered forest with monkeys in the canopy and silence that feels earned
- Pokhara Return Views — The descent via Ghandruk offers straight-on views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) — one of Nepal's most photographed peaks
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,495m) — 1.5-hour drive to Nayapul, 3-hour walk to Tikhedhunga through Birethanti. Gentle introduction to the trail.
Day 2Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m) — 5–6 hours. The steepest day — stone steps through rhododendron forest. Worth every step.
Day 3Poon Hill sunrise + trek to Tadapani (2,610m) — 4am to Poon Hill for sunrise. Descend to Ghorepani, continue to Tadapani through forest.
Day 4Tadapani to Ghandruk to Nayapul — 3 hours to Ghandruk (explore the village), then 2 hours to Nayapul. Drive back to Pokhara.
What's Included
- Guided trek with licensed guide
- All teahouse accommodation
- All meals on trail
- TIMS Card and ACAP permit
- Transport Pokhara–Nayapul (return)
What's Not Included
- Flights to Pokhara and international flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide (customary: $40–60 USD)